Law, Policy, and Technology: Cyberterrorism, Information Warfare, and Internet Immobilization

Reich (Waseda U., Japan) and Gelbstein (Webster U., Switzerland) compile 16 chapters by law, security, and information professionals from Europe, the US, and Asia, who examine issues in cyber and information security; initiatives in law, policy, and information security to address them; and how to address gaps in these areas. They consider the nature of the problem, the parties that have an interest in disrupting technology infrastructures and computer systems, how attacks take place and how organizations can prepare for them, and when, where, and why they occur. They discuss the main challenges facing security practitioners; the economic, political, and social consequences of information security disruption; the relationship between critical information infrastructure and cyberterrorism; managing risks associated with information assets; standards and best practices; key vulnerabilities; the application of law and policy to actual incidents; the academic literature on cyberterrorism; the nature of cyber threats to government and private computer systems; whether an international solution to cyberterrorism is needed; and case studies from India, China, and the UK.

Recommended - This 2012 book is an excellent source of information and references covering the broad and complex field of cyber security. The two authors/editors address the two major perspectives - information and communications technology and legal. This balance between the two major components of any serious study of cyber security is most welcome. [...] Anyone interested in developing or influencing policy on cyber security should consider this book a must read. What they have to tell us about cyber security is worth reading.

It is not a surprise that the “softer” issues around Internet-based cyber-crime, cyber-terrorism, and information warfare are both unclear and constantly evolving. […] Throughout the volume, the dominating concerns are surveillance and intelligence collection, with associated limits and related litigation or legislation. This volume goes beyond raising awareness.

These essays address contemporary problems posed by widespread internet use and the role, if any, it has in increasing the likelihood, frequency, or lethality of cyber attacks, especially of cyber terror acts. In this area, definitions are unsettled, laws are often inadequately formulated, and the nature of the threats and identity of the culprits is often doubtful. [...] Law, Policy and Technology realistically and rather comprehensively presents main challenges associated with internet use and suggests ways for exploring how to address them without succumbing to the dramatic excesses of all-too-common ungrounded fear or to the tempting quietism of baseless denial.